Blow to the eye
You can suffer an eye injury for a variety of different reasons. For example, you could suffer a fist, ball, or flare in and on your eye. You could also damage your eye as a result of a hard fall or a small object. A small object is often more dangerous than a large object, as it fits snugly into your eye socket. A blow to the eye means something or someone has hit your eye hard. This can cause mild to serious symptoms.
If you’ve had a blow to the eye you may suffer from:
- A bruised eye.
- A teary eye.
- A red eye.
- Impaired vision. For example, your vision is blurred or you see stars.
- Double vision.
- Flashes.
- A dilated or constricted pupil. Compare your eye to your undamaged eye.
- A distorted pupil.
- An eye which looks different. For example, your eye may bulge out or be skewed.
- A torn eyelid.
If you’ve suffered a blow to the eye, we recommend that you:
- Check your eye. Have someone else check it for you if you can’t. Contact your GP if your eye appears abnormal.
- Cool your eye. Do this by placing a cold and damp wash cloth on your eye.
- Take paracetamol in case of severe pain. Always read the package leaflet before taking a paracetamol. That’s because the permitted dosage will differ per age group.
You don’t need to contact a doctor or your GP if there’s nothing seriously wrong with your eye. However, you must get in touch if:
- You have severe pain.
- You are nauseous from the pain.
- Your eye is swollen.
- You can no longer tolerate light.
- Your vision has changed. For example, you’re suffering from blurred or double vision.
- You’re starting to see spots and/or flashes.
- Your pupil is larger or smaller than your other pupil.
- Your pupil is deformed.
- You have blood under your iris.
- You have a ruptured eyelid.
- Your retina detaches.
- You start developing symptoms again after your GP has diagnosed an eye contusion.
Your GP will refer you to an ophthalmologist or eye specialist if necessary.